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Wolf spider against a white background - Keep spiders away from your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Wolf Spider

Actual Size: 1 ½”

Characteristics: Large spiders with black, gray, or brown patterns on the back. Some have markings or patterns on their bodies that can include stripes, spots, or other designs.

Legs: 8

Habitat:Hunt actively during both day and night. Dwell in leaf litter and grassy locales. Indoors, they may be found near doors, windows, closets, basements, and garages.

Habits:

  • Agile hunters that do not use webs to catch prey.
  • Excellent vision compared to many other spider species.
  • Often create burrows or shelters.
  • Female spiders keep their young on their back until they are grown.


Wolf Spiders in Central Arkansas

Wolf spiders are active hunters that can be startling when encountered in homes. Their exceptional eyesight enables them to perceive approaching humans, prompting them to quickly escape. Many species of wolf spiders are active during the night, utilizing reflective structures to enhance their vision. A flashlight aimed at the ground can reveal their characteristic green eye glow, visible from distances of 10 to 30 feet, depending on their size. Wolf spiders are seldom considered pests. They will occasionally venture into houses, where their considerable size can startle homeowners.

Wolf Spider Habitat

Wolf spiders engage in active hunting on the ground, targeting insects, small spiders, and similar prey. They roam openly during both day and night, frequently dwelling in leaf litter and grassy areas in large numbers. While some construct small burrows and defend territories, others move about freely. Due to their abundance and voracious hunting habits, wolf spiders play a crucial role in any ecosystem they inhabit. Female spiders can be occasionally seen carrying their young on their backs until they reach sufficient maturity to venture out on their own.

Wolf Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While wolf spiders possess the ability to bite, such occurrences are exceedingly rare. While they exhibit swiftness and aggression in hunting insects, they typically refrain from biting humans unless provoked or mishandled. Although a wolf spider’s bite can cause discomfort, it typically presents minimal risk to healthy adults. Nevertheless, individuals with heightened sensitivity, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, may experience adverse reactions.

If you are dealing with wolf spiders in your Central Arkansas property, contact your local spider exterminators.